The sixth edition of “International Buddhist Conclave 2018” has been organized by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the State Governments of Maharashtra, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh from 23rd -26th August, 2018 at New Delhi and Ajanta (Maharashtra), followed by site visits to Rajgir, Nalanda and Bodhgaya (Bihar) and Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh). The President of India Mr.Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the four days long conclave and launched the Ministry of Tourism website on important Buddhist sites – indiathelandofbuddha.in. Mr. K.J. Alphons the Minister of State (Independent charge),presided over the inaugural function.
Delivering inaugural address, the President said that the voyage of Buddhism from India to Asia and the transcontinental links that were created carried more than just spiritualism. They carried a rich cargo of knowledge and learning, arts and crafts, meditation techniques and even martial arts. Eventually, the many roads that the monks and nuns – those men and women of faith -carved out became among the earliest trade routes. In that sense, Buddhism was the basis for an early form of globalisation -and of inter-connectedness in our continent. It is these principles and values that must continue to guide us.
The President added that tourism is a multi-stakeholder enterprise. The private sector and civil society have substantial roles. And in terms of providing a safe and secure visitor experience, state and municipal administrations play a critical part. The business potential of tourism is immense. Across our world, Tourism industry is a big job creator, especially for local households and local communities. In its essence, tourism, like Buddhism, is about people and empowering them to realise their potential
Mr. K.J. Alphons said that India has a rich ancient Buddhist Heritage with several important sites associated with the life of Lord Buddha. The aim of the Conclave is to showcase and project the Buddhist Heritage in India and boost tourism to the Buddhist sites in the country and cultivate friendly ties with countries and communities interested in Buddhism.
The Ambassador of Japan to India, Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu in his address said that the Japan has very long cultural relations with India and Tourism is the important component in Indo-Japan relations.
Mrs. Rashmi Verma, Secretary, M/o Tourism said that Buddhism binds the culture of India, with the regions like Bhutan, China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. About 500 million Buddhist worldwide, represent 7% of the World’s population. We are also proud to have Japan as the Partner country of this conclave and happy to note a strong participation from Japan led by the Ambassador of Japan in India.
Presently, it is estimated that there are nearly 500 million Buddhists all over the World and majority of them live in East Asia, South East Asia and Far East countries. However, a very small percentage of them visit the Buddhist sites in India each year. So the potential of encouraging more tourists to visit the Buddhist destinations where Lord Buddha lived and preached is immense. The “ASEAN” was the Guest of Honor during IBC, 2016 and Japan is the ‘Partner Country for IBC-2018
Buddha and Eight-fold Path, in Pali language is the most precious gift of the Ancient India given to the World. Buddha Path’ refers to the extraordinary Teachings of Buddha which is also called the Middle Path which brings purity of mind and leads to Peace, Happiness and Harmony. ‘Buddha Path’ also refers to the Eight Great Places of Buddhist Heritage, (referred in Pali as A??hamaha?hanani). These Eight Places are connected with the important events of the life of the Buddha from the time of his Birth, Enlightenment, Teaching Dhamma to suffering humanity, till he passed away, Mahaparinirvana, at the age of 80 years. This Buddha Path is the Living Heritage that still continues to inspire millions of people to walk and find out Peace, Happiness, Harmony and Solace. With a view to synthesize both the meanings of the ‘Buddha Path’ together for the promotion of both the intangible and the tangible Buddhist Heritage, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has decided to organize 6th International Buddhist Conclave on the theme, “Buddha Path -The Living Heritage.
The Ministerial level delegation from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar and Sri Lanka are participating in the conclave. The delegates from the following 29 countries are participating in the International Buddhist Conclave: – Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mangolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, UK, USA and Vietnam.
